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Datuk R. Ramanan Talks about the APEC Business Travel Card

The procedure of granting visitor passes and immigration clearance had commonly been noted for its long and complicated process. This type of difficulty to make visa application formerly were inescapable in order to maintain proper procedure and ensure safe passage for everybody. Sadly, this lengthy process caused a negative impact on business interaction. After many years of examining the potential solutions, the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travel Card was finally revealed.

Now, businesspeople can apply for APEC Business Travel Card to get the privilege of travelling more freely. This program is made possible by participating countries with the mutual purpose to stimulate free trade and open up opportunities for investment. With APEC Business Travel Card, business owners can pre-clear their short-term entry into participating countries for business purpose. This method really helps to steer clear of the excessive rules and formalities which affect business operation.

APEC Business Travel Card holders can easily steer clear of the procedure for applying for visas and also entry permits under personal travel. They may likewise be able to opt for APEC lanes as they enter into listed nations through this multi-entry pass.

The APEC Business Travel Card scheme received the full endorsement from Datuk R. Ramanan. The Immigration Department of Malaysia was praised by him for their efficient work towards the realization of this smart solution that will contribute to strong economic growth.

Datuk Ramanan Ramakrishnan‘s encouragement was expressed by his remark that APEC business travel card has established new gateways for businesses in Malaysia to venture into foreign economies easily. Local companies are now able to make full use of the advantage as a result of the superb effort made by related officers who fostered ties with other countries and this has a positive effect on the local economy.

Recently, Malaysia, Chile, Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan, New Zealand, Singapore, Russia, Australia, China, Philippines, Peru, Papua New Guinea, Brunei Darussalam, Mexico, South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, and Hong Kong and are among the list of participants of the APEC scheme. On top of that, the scheme is participated by Canada and USA as transitional members.

The programme had a large impact for Malaysia since for some states, the more bureaucratic administration is imposed. The Republic of China, to provide an example, enforces the obligation to apply for a permit to entry beforehand irrespective of whether it is actually a business-related re-entry or social pass.

Datuk R. Ramanan is also a strong advocate for Malaysian Indian businesspeople and stresses that it’s important for all of them to reap the benefits of such a facility so as to bring economic success and growth for the nation. The encouragement of the Malaysian Indian community helps as well cement and fully utilise the potential of all sectors of people to inspire and foster young and burgeoning businesses.

According to a research conducted by the APEC Policy Support Unit, the schemes brought out by the APEC Business Travel Card has resulted in a considerable minimization in the cost of transaction for cardholders up to 38%. This proves that these efforts not just operate in reducing waiting time, but actual travel cost at the same time. Experts have estimated the time saved for these card holders in March 2010 to July 2011 is 62,413 hours, that’s estimated at a value of USD1.9 million.